Huambo - The ambassador of the Netherlands to Angola, Tsjeard Hoekstra, on Wednesday urged Angolan entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector to export avocados from the central Huambo province to his country in 2025.
This shipment, according to the diplomat, would lay the foundations for a constant, growing and increasingly variable flow of this fruit, which is also called green gold.
Tsjeard Hoekstra made the call at the launch of the first avocado cluster being held in Huambo province under the Netherland’s 1.1 million euros funding, as part of the investments in the Caála Logistics Platform.
On the occasion, the diplomat said this is a challenge that reflects the sense of urgency, pragmatism and dedication of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in having chosen Angola as the best partner to achieve this ambition.
The diplomat underlined that he has made it clear that the Netherlands is contributing to the creation of a cold chain logistics platform, which facilitates access to the international market and the development of agricultural potential, thus contributing to a more prosperous Angola.
Tsjeard Hoekstra pointed out that, since 2018, through the “Orange Corners” program, the Netherlands has supported young entrepreneurs in Angola, an initiative that, starting this year, will pay special attention to entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector in Huambo.
The diplomat said the event aims to train local farmers, women and young people on new opportunities for economic development and improving the living conditions of Angolans.
According to the diplomat, the launch of the first avocado cluster represents a new step in the collaboration between Angola and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which will boost the quality and quantity of avocado production in Huambo, crucial to the success of the Caála Logistics Platform and regional development.
Tsjeard Hoekstra said that fruit and vegetables represent a value of 25 billion US dollars and a volume of 18 million tons, distributed in Europe's largest port, Rotterdam, in the Netherlands, which plays a key role in this agro-logistics chain.
Given the Netherlands' position, the diplomat said, there is the need to identify new areas of origin, so that consumers have access to all types of fruit, and to this end it is important that Angolan production, through established cooperation, be part of this trade flow.
A specialist of the Netherlands food safety authority is currently working with the Angola’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to introduce electronic certification to Angolan products, as well as phytosanitary rules, which will open doors for exports and the introduction of new varieties.
The deputy governor for the Political, Social and Economic sector of Huambo province, Angelino Elavoco, on his turn said Angola and Netherlands are entering a new era of cooperation, which gives attention and privilege to commercial relations, whose projects will promote growth and national development.
Angelino Elavoco stressed that both the Caála Logistics Platform and the creation of the avocado cluster represents a great opportunity for small family farmers, who, with the support and technical assistance of large companies will be able to produce this fruit in large quantities and under favorable conditions.
The official underlined that said the move is a step forward for national and foreign companies, from small, medium and large producers, as the potential available in the Lobito Corridor will benefit several countries around the world.
At least three local farms signed the subsidy contract, which will support the development of the avocado cluster, in a contract worth 1.1 million euros, through the integration of small local producers that will be equipped with technical, operational and financial capacity to speed up the export process.
The Caála Logistics Platform located in the Lobito Corridor between national roads 120 and 260, is the result of a partnership between the Angolan government, the Netherlands and the Flying Swans Consortium, as well as the technical support and funding from the World Bank. ZZN/JSV/ALH/DAN/AMP
